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Court staff and lawyers urge retention of Judge Elizabeth Mann, citing fairness and speed
Summary
Court clerks, attorneys and court staff testified in support of retaining Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Mann, citing courtroom fairness, compassion in juvenile cases and timely written orders that reduce delays for litigants.
Multiple court staff and attorneys told the Judicial Retention Committee on Oct. 12 that they support retaining Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Mann, who presides over family, juvenile, criminal and civil dockets in Orange and Windham counties.
Committee members heard examples from five witnesses who described Mann as fair, compassionate and efficient in issuing rulings and managing crowded dockets.
Lisa Eastman, Orange County deputy clerk, said she worked with Judge Mann from Nov. 1, 2022, through Aug. 31, 2024, and described courtroom examples showing “grace, confidence, kindness, and empathy.” Eastman cited an instance when Mann rearranged a busy criminal calendar so a defendant who had traveled a long distance could be heard, and another when Mann provided extra instruction to pro se litigants without telling them how to represent themselves.
Teresa Seppi, a Windham County court security supervisor, told the committee she has observed Mann’s work on hundreds of family docket matters and said Mann “takes the time to allow all participants, including attorneys, plaintiffs, respondents and witnesses, to speak.” Seppi said Mann’s knowledge of the law is extensive and that she prepares thoroughly before hearings.
Managing attorney Nikki South, who practices juvenile law, said Mann’s leadership improved backlogged juvenile dockets in Windsor County and that Mann “takes her work in the juvenile division especially seriously.” South added that Mann treats parents equitably and is mindful of implicit bias concerns in family proceedings.
Assistant Attorney General Robert Lees said he has appeared before Mann in criminal, juvenile and family matters for about eight years and praised her timeliness and written orders. “I will say that Judge Mann is one of the most efficient judges I’ve appeared in front of in terms of her ability to process large amounts of evidence and issue thoughtful, well reasoned, and timely decisions,” Lees said, adding that Mann’s written summaries after status conferences clarify next steps for parties.
Brooke Parent, a judicial assistant who began work March 1, 2023, said Mann “empowers litigants with her compassionate and optimistic outlooks on their situations” and that many people leave hearings understanding “what they need to do and that their outcomes are in their hands.”
The witnesses’ accounts emphasized three recurring themes: courtroom access for pro se litigants, active case management that reduces delay, and particular attention to juvenile cases. Committee members noted at the start of the hearing that the panel’s role was to receive testimony; the committee does not question witnesses during the public hearing.
No formal action or vote on retention was taken at the hearing. The committee will include submitted written comments and the testimony recorded at this session as part of its retention deliberations.
